Straight to your inbox
Choosing the best time for a river cruise in Europe can be tricky. You don’t want to find your tour disrupted by low and high water levels, broken locks and frozen rivers after you have booked your tickets.
Although the weather can ruin your plans at any time of the year, some months are more appealing than others for river cruising.
We have done the research and come up with the best time for a European river cruise.
September
September has a pleasant climate and normal water levels, which means there is a minimal chance of disruption due to low or high water levels and frozen rivers. In addition, large crowds will have dissipated by September, so there’s no need to book your cruise a year in advance or to pay a higher price..
With the majority of summer crowds and high prices gone and the heat of July and August behind you, September brings some of the most pleasant river cruising conditions. During April, May and June, the melting of snow coupled with spring rains flood most European rivers. As a result, boats are often unable to pass under low-hanging bridges due to the high water level.
When levels start to recede around August, especially after a dry summer, cruises can be postponed or cancelled altogether due to water being too low in some of the river systems, but if this is the best time for you to travel, you can make sure you're covered by getting cruise insurance that may compensate you for altered itineraries or cancelled sailings altogether. By November and December, you run the risk of rivers freezing in northern and eastern Europe. They’re sometimes closed shortly after Christmas during the dead of winter. The colder temperatures may also deter you from sitting out on the cruise deck to enjoy views of the passing countryside.
CruiseAway
Up to 40% off + up to US$400 OBC with Royal Caribbean
Available on select voyages in 2020 and 20201. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Pacific, Europe, Mediterranean, Asia and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Up to 45% off + free upgrade + up to US$500 OBC with Holland America
Available on select voyages in 2020. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Canada, Europe and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
My Cruises
$99 deposit + up to $8,000 bonus value
Available on select 2020 - 2021 voyages with Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard and Celebrity Cruises. Destinations include Hawaii, New Zealand, South Pacific, Caribbean, Europe and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Nexus Holidays
Up to $800 off 16-day Europe cruise with flights
Available on select travel dates from May - August 2020. Package includes accommodation, flights, meals, transfers and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Destination International
8 days Egypt Nile River cruise from $899
Available on select dates from February - June 2020. Package include 5-star Nile river cruise, accommodation, on board meals, transfers and guide. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Cruise Direct
30% off + free WiFi, drinks, excursions, specialty dining
Available on select 2020 travel dates on Norwegian Cruise Line. Destinations include North America, Caribbean, Europe and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
50% off on 2nd cruise with Cruise & Maritime
Must avail an offer with Cruise and Maritime to get 50% off on next cruise. Available on select 2020 and 20201 voyages on selected Vasco da Gama cruises only. Destinations include Australia, India, Asia, Europe, and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Uniworld
100th Anniversary sale: Up to 30% off worldwide cruise
Available on select departures in 2020. Destinations include Asia, Central Europe, France, India, Italy, Portugal and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Up to 20% off Norwegian Cruise Line
Available on select voyages departing until 21 April 2020. Destinations include Mediterranean Sea, West Europe, Baltic Sea, Australia, Hawaii and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Up to $400 OBC with Virgin Voyages
Available on select travel until October 2021. Destinations include Mediterranean Sea, Western Europe, Caribbean, Central and Northern America, and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
My Cruises
Up to $6,000 bonus value
Available on select travel dates in 2020 with Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises. Destinations include Japan, Alaska, Europe, China, Africa and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
CruiseAway
Up to 40% off Azamara cruises
Available on select voyages and travel dates from 14 April 2020 – 21 November 2021. Destinations include Asia, Australia, Indian Ocean, South America, Western Europe and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Up to 40% off Miami cruises
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019 and 2020. Other destinations include New York, Europe, the Caribbean and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
MSC Cruises
Free drinks of up to $1,000 value on worldwide cruises
Valid for travel between January and April 2020. Destinations include the Caribbean, USA, Canada, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Grand Voyages and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
U River Cruises
Europe river cruises from $245 per day
Valid for travel on select dates between December 2019 and October 2020. Destinations include Budapest, Regensburg, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Brussels, Vienna and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
CruiseAway
Up to 46% off Celebrity cruises
Valid for travel on select 2020 dates. Destinations include Mediterranean Sea, Southern Europe, Pacific, Hawaii, Canada, USA East Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Jan 2020 | Mediterranean cruises from just $99 with MSC | ******** |
| 15 Jan 2020 | Up to $900 off cruises + $200 OBC with Carnival Cruises | ******** |
| 15 Jan 2020 | $1 deposits + onboard credit with P&O Cruises | ******** |
| 21 Jan 2020 | $50 deposit on Rockies & Alaska tour and cruise with flights | ******** |
| 17 Jan 2020 | Australia Day sale: $1 deposit on Princess Cruises | ******** |
Latest sales from P&O, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and more.
Get the best weather and the best price with these tips.
Compare top luxury liners for your river cruise.
Make sure you're covered and compare your options before you set sail.
